Sydney and San Francisco based virtual reality studio Start VR today announced a co-production content partnership with award-winning television and film production company Jungle to create, develop and produce several to-be-announced projects in 2017. The production ventures will entail both companies leveraging their respective strengths-including Start VR’s in-depth knowledge of narrative storytelling using interactive VR technology and Jungle’s exquisite craftsmanship in concept creation. Together, the production partners aim to generate exciting and engaging commercial work and original IP for VR platforms.

The Jungle team has received numerous industry accolades for comedy including the 2014 Best Comedy from Screen Producer Awards, two Best Comedy prizes from the AFI’s, Best Narrative Comedy at AWGIE, and many others. In addition, Jungle’s commercial division has been awarded honours at Cannes Lions, D&AD, Oneshow, Clio and London International Awards (LIA).

Says Jungle EP of Commercials Nick Simkins “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with one of the leading VR producers in the country. They’re an inspiring company and we’re incredibly impressed by their passion, expertise and drive to be one of the world’s leading VR producers. The level of R&D that they are undertaking is unrivalled in the commercial space in Australia, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide an offering that combines their VR creative and production expertise with our directors and creative vision.”

“They’re an inspiring company and we’re incredibly impressed by their passion, expertise and drive to be one of the world’s leading VR producers.”

~ Nick Simpkins, Jungle

This partnership fuses Start VR’s cutting-edge technology and best of class, high end visuals with Jungle’s talented roster and signature narrative style, as seen on their critically acclaimed series The Moodys, No Activity, Here Come the Habibs and branded work they’ve done for Toyota, Ikea, Coca-Cola and many others. Start VR is one of the leading VR production studios in Australia, harnessing authentic and interactive experiences in the world of VR filmmaking―as seen in their debut virtual reality project, VR NOIR, released on the Oculus Gear VR store. VR NOIR was recognised as an “example of how VR will change television” by Upload VR and is nominated for best “Interactive Production” category at Screen Producers Australia Awards 2016.

Nathan Anderson, Co-founder and Exec Producer at Start VR says, “Jungle is one of the most respected, creative and talented production houses in Australia and we are thrilled to be partnering with them. The VR industry has matured and this partnership represents combining the best teams and talent available. It is collaborations like this that we hope will bring Australian VR to the world.”